Centre's Kashmir plan on anvil

Home minister for quiet politics and quiet diplomacy

He said the government will hold talks with every section of society through “quiet politics and quiet diplomacy” and away from the glare of the media.

Addressing the All India Editors’ Conference here, he said the solution must be unique and honourable.

“The solution has to be worked out keeping in view the historical and geographical background of the state,” Chidambaram said. He said there is a marked improvement in the security situation. The Army, now engaged in anti-militancy operations, will be sent back to the borders, where the Border Security Force (BSF) will assist it.

“The Jammu and Kashmir state police would fully take over the responsibility of law and order with paramilitary forces ready to assist it on demand,” he said.

Centre reviewing AFSPA

About the Armed Forces Special Power Act, the home minister said the amendments recommended by a committee are under the consideration of the Union cabinet. The Union government’s Kashmir plan has the full support of the state government.

He said there is no room for violence in Kashmir or anywhere. “We are for zero tolerance to violence. Kashmir is a political problem and we want a peaceful solution,” Chidambaram said.

The Centre recognises that there are different shades of political opinion in the state, he added.

Dialogue

“There are even some unorganised groups who do not contest the polls and want secession of Kashmir from India,” he said. The Union government wants to involve all groups into the dialogue process.

Referring to the current security situation, he said it has improved. “Security forces are in full control of the situation. After the Lok Sabha polls, there was desperation in Pakistan to increase the infiltration level. Whatever violence is going on in Kashmir presently, it is because of infiltration.

“Our misguided boys in Kashmir are not our problem. But the jihadi elements from Pakistan, who are being pushed into Kashmir, create trouble,” he said. During a question-and-answer session, he refused to comment on the latest statement of Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah that the Centre is not serious in its dialogue process.

About Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s demand that the Centre should initiate simultaneous talks with Kashmiri separatists and Pakistan, the home minister said: “By making such a demand, he (the chief minister) meant that pressure should be mounted on Pakistan to end infiltration.”

Meanwhile, Chidambaram said the Centre might ban pre-paid mobile service in Jammu and Kashmir due to security reasons. The move comes after several incidents were reported by security forces in which militants had used pre-paid mobiles purchased under fictitious names for communicating with one another.

Follow us

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve user experience. This includes personalising content and advertising. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy.